Collection COL/MH/LMH - MANSION HOUSE: LORD MAYOR'S HOUSEHOLD

0.05 linear metres

COL/MH/LMH 1597-1844 Collection 0.05 linear metres Corporation of London

The first recorded Mayor of London was Henry Fitz-Ailwyn in 1189. Since then, some 700 men and one woman have over the centuries held the position of chief officer of the City of London. The most famous of them all is Dick Whittington, who held office three times, in 1397, 1406 and 1419. Contrary to popular belief, Dick Whittington was not a poor, ill-treated orphan who managed against all the odds to work his way up to Lord Mayor. Coming from a wealthy family, Richard Whittington had a successful business and civic career before he became Lord Mayor. As for the black cat which supposedly helped him found his fortune, no-one is quite sure how this part of the myth grew up! The fact is that Dick Whittington carved out a successful business career in a very practical way as a mercer (dealer in costly fabrics such as silk), wool merchant and royal financier.

The Lord Mayor has throughout the centuries played a vital role in the life of the City of London and continues to do so today. In the City, the Lord Mayor ranks immediately after the sovereign and acts as the capital's host in Guildhall and Mansion House, his official residence. On behalf of the City and the nation he carries out numerous engagements at home and abroad. Although in former years a person could become Lord Mayor as many times as the electorate would vote him in - Dick Whittington being such an example - nowadays one year of such demanding activity is considered enough.

The right of citizens to elect their own Mayor dates from the Charter granted by King John to the City in 1215. The election of Lord Mayor is held at the end of September each year in Guildhall. The assembly, known as Common Hall, consists of all liverymen of at least one year's standing together with certain high officers of the City. All aldermen who have served the office of sheriff and who have not already been Lord Mayor are eligible.

The Lord Mayor's household includes staff based at Mansion House, such as the Private Secretary, Researcher, Speechwriter, Events Manager and Keeper of the House.

Corporation of London Records Office.

Records relating to the Lord Mayor's household, including minutes, 1816-1844; account of the profits of the Mayoralty and offices at the disposal of the Mayor, [1684]-1821; papers relating to the employment of the household, 1662-1761 and removes of officers, 1597-1757.

In sections according to catalogue.

Available for general access.

Copyright: City of London
English

Fit

Please see online catalogues at: http://search.lma.gov.uk/opac_lma/index.htm

Compiled in compliance with General International Standard Archival Description, ISAD(G), second edition, 2000; National Council on Archives Rules for the Construction of Personal, Place and Corporate Names, 1997. February 2009 Municipal government People People by occupation Personnel Local government personnel Mayors Mansion House , Corporation of London The Right Honourable Lord Mayor of London City of London London England UK Western Europe Europe Local government Public administration Government

Corporation of London Records Office.

Records relating to the Lord Mayor's household, including minutes, 1816-1844; account of the profits of the Mayoralty and offices at the disposal of the Mayor, [1684]-1821; papers relating to the employment of the household, 1662-1761 and removes of officers, 1597-1757.

In sections according to catalogue.

Available for general access.

Copyright: City of London

• anglais

• latin

English

Please see online catalogues at: http://search.lma.gov.uk/opac_lma/index.htm

Compiled in compliance with General International Standard Archival Description, ISAD(G), second edition, 2000; National Council on Archives Rules for the Construction of Personal, Place and Corporate Names, 1997.

• anglais